Still Keeping It Real With Fantasy – Week 7

Same people, same great advice

Welcome back to Week 7 of Keeping it Real With Fantasy! This past week had three games go into overtime, with the Vikings, Cowboys, and Steelers all edging their opponents on walk-off scores. The Cardinals have polished their record to 6-0, establishing themselves as the team to beat. Jordan Fuller’s return to MetLife Stadium resulted in a Rams loss with the hometown hero recording nine tackles. To add onto the eventful week, The Titans took down the Bills on Monday Night. Derrick Henry totalled for three touchdowns on 143 yards. In our eyes, he has just solidified himself as the best offensive player in the league this season. This coming week has the Lions up against the Rams. QBs Matt Stafford and Jared Goff will both be facing off against their former teams. Deandre Hopkins also takes the field against his former team as the Texans and the Cardinals play against each other. There’s plenty of great football to be played in the upcoming week, as the season is in full swing. 

 

News/Injuries

Kareem Hunt (RB) – Hunt strained his calf this past week against the Cardinals in the fourth quarter. The injury is serious as it ranked up to a grade 2 strain. He will most definitely miss a handful of games and possibly be placed on the IR. The Browns shouldn’t worry as they have one of the best running backs in the league, Nick Chubb. However, Hunt was a great addition to fantasy teams and his absence could definitely set you back.  

Kadarias Toney (WR) The Giant’s hotshot receiver re-aggravated his ankle injury this past Sunday against the Rams. Odds are he won’t be playing for a week or two to nurse his ankle back to full health. The Giants should take their time with him as the season doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere. We don’t want to see Toney become an injury prone receiver so taking his time to recover is in the best interest of himself and the team.

Dak Prescott (QB) – On the game winning overtime drive against the Patriots, Prescott strained his calf. The injury isn’t too serious, most likely a grade one strain. He was in a boot post game, which doesn’t look too great, but the Cowboys have a bye next week giving him a good amount of time to recover. Things are working out for the Cowboys as they improve to 5-1 with their next game against the Vikings on Halloween. 

 

Starts

Ryan Tannehill (QB) – At some point during the season, Tannehill is due for a standout game. With Kansas City as Tennessee’s next opponent, we think it’s fitting for Tannehill to have a good, productive game. Although the Chiefs only let the Washington Football Team’s OB throw for 182 yards, the options at the wide receiver position weren’t the most reliable. Kansas City has allowed the second most fantasy points to QBs at a disturbing 24.95. With the Titans team getting back to full health, look out for Tannehill to be a must start.

James Conner (RB) – Over the last four games, Conner’s production has started to pick up. He has racked up 193 rushing yards and five TDs to go along with five receptions for 34 yards. When he gets into the redzone, Conner starts to become more lethal as he gets lots of carries and looks while in position to score. With bye weeks taking away our star studded players, Conner is a good start for someone who needs to fill a running back spot. The Cardinals have a favorable matchup this week, as they take on the Texans, who are number 20 in points allowed a game, 30th in yards and 29th in rushing TDs allowed.     

 

Sits

Joe Burrow (QB) – Burrow has been electric since his return from an ACL injury a year ago. However, Burrow faces a tough Baltimore defense this week. Last week, the Ravens nearly shut down the explosive Chargers offense and contained Justin Herbert to just 12 fantasy points. We expect the Ravens to have this same effect on the Bengals this Sunday afternoon. If there is another QB on the waiver wire with a better matchup such as Matt Ryan, Taylor Heinicke, or Jameis Winston, we would pick him up and start him instead.

 

Waiver Wires

D’Ernest Johnson (RB) – D’Ernest Johnson should be a great short term pick up off waivers this week. The Browns’ backfield has been roughed up recently. Starting running back Nick Chubb missed last week’s game with a calf injury. On top of that, Kareem Hunt was placed on the IR with his own injury. Because of this, Johnson might be the lone man at the top of the depth on Thursday Night Football. He should be considered as a good flex start this week. 

J.D. McKissic (RB) – Washington’s starting running back, Antonio Gibson, is questionable with a lower leg injury. If he is not ready to go Sunday, McKissic will likely get the starting role. McKissic already adds lots of value in PPR formats because of his pass catching abilities out of the backfield. However, if he were to start, he could potentially see an uptick in carries too. Even if Gibson plays, Washington will most likely need to use the passing game to keep up with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Thus, McKissic will likely see a good amount of targets anyway. Get J.D. on your team now.